The Kailash Manasarovar is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites to the Abode of Lord Shiva. The Tour is a high-altitude tour to the base of Mount Kailash, along with Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshas. Starting from Kathmandu (1355m) to the highest point of Dola-La Pass (5650m), the spiritual journey starts with the blessing from the Pashupatinath temple, Gyajeswori Shakti-Peetham, along with Kyirong Waterfalls on the way, finally to Manasarovar Lake, Rakashs Lake, and Yamadwar- Gate of the God of Death.

Every Year, thousands of devotees and other visitors explore Mount Kailash for a pilgrimage tour, as well as to observe the beauty of Tibet (Xizang). Mount Kailash is a sacred site for the Hindu, Buddhist, Bon, and Jain religion with each belief. Specifically, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash for spiritual purposes as Hindu devotees believe it as residance of Lord Shiva, so travelling to Mount Kailash to see the Abode of Lord Shiva, while Boddhist devotees believe it as Adobe of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen, and the earthly home of Buddha Demchok (Chakrasaṃvara). 

Every Year, the tour runs from April to October, and we completed the Kailash Tour very successfully for 2025. With the success of operating this spiritual tour in 2025, we announce the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for 2026.

Significance of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2026

Kailash Manasarovar Tour is not just a Pilgrimage Tour; it is a divine journey to the abode of Lord Shiva, and 2026 is a very auspicious time to visit Mount Kailash. According to the Tibetan Buddhist Calendar, 2026 is a horse year, which means Maha-Kumba of Mount Kailash. In tibetan calender, each year is represented by an animal, and 2026 is represented by Horse so it has many significances of the Kailash Tour during this auspicious time.

Merits of Kailash Kora

According to Tibetan scriptures and oral traditions; The kailash Kora during a horse year is 13th times more effective than doing the Kailash Kora during other years. Some of the myths also say that it is 100 times stronger than other years.

Connection with Lord Shiva & Cosmic Time (Hindu View)

According to Hindu Myths, Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and is connected to the horse year, as loosen the grip of past karma. Which means while visiting Mount Kailash during Horse Year, supporting moksha (liberation) rather than just punya (merit).

Saga Dawa + Horse Year = Peak Auspiciousness

Besides Horse Year, another special Buddhist festival coincides with Saga Dawa. The saga dawa is considered the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, which results in cleansing many lifetimes of karmic residue, accelerating spiritual awakening, and clarity in life direction.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026: Highlights

• Warm welcome and Greetings with Rudrakshak Mala.
• UNESCO Heritage Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath Temple, Gyajeswori Shakti-Peetham, and Jal Narayan (Sleeping Vishnu).
• 4/5 Star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and the best available in Tibet Side.
• Experience and hand fillout of Manasarovar Lake Jal, and with eyewitness of Rakshak Lake from the View Point.
• Manasarovar Lake Parikarma (Circumambulation of the lake) by government vehicle.
• Ritual performance and Pooja at the bank of Manasarovar Lake.
• 3 Days Kailash Parikarma (Kailash Circumambulation) by walking.
• Cross over Dolma La Pass (5600 meters).
• Indian food prepared by Nepali Crew throughout the tour once enter to Tibet.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Route

While travelling to Kailash Manasarovar from Nepal, there are 3 routes.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Overland (Kyirong Route)

While travelling to Kailash Manasarovar, the easiest and cheapest route is the Overland Route via Kyirong Border. There is driving of Kathmandu to the Sybrubesi border, which takes 8 hrs of driving on Bus. To those who don't like to adventure on roads, they have the option of a helicopter from Kathmandu to Sybrubesi or Timure and back. From the border, we complete immigration formalities and cross the border. From the border, our logistics and accommodations are looked after by a Tibetan Guide along with well-knowledgable Nepali Crew.

The Nepali Crew prepares meals for you and serves you. From the Kyirong border, it is a 10-12-day tour including Manasarovar, Kailash Kora, and Asthapad Darsan.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nepalgunj - Simikot (Heli Route)

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nepalgij-Simikot is another route to go Kailash Pilgrimage Tour. The tour starts from Kathmandu with a scenic flight to Nepalgunj. Another scheduled flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot and a helicopter chopper from Simikot to Hilsa border, complete immigration, and cross the border. Once you cross the border, the vehicle transfers you to the Taklakot hotel and acclimitize for high altitude for another day in the same place. And continue to Manasarovar Lake, Circumambulation of Lake Manasarovar by government bus, walking to Kailash Kora, and finally back to Kathmandu or Lucknow on the same route with the same scenic flights. As the route depends more on weather conditions to fly to different spots, some delays may occur, and it is not in our hands, so we operate only a few groups who never mind delays.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Via Lhasa or Lhasa-Ali (Luxury Route)

This Kailash Manasarovar via Lhasa or Lhasa- Ali is another route with luxury facilities and more spots to explore. You will fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa on schedule flight and explore Lhasa City. You will be guided to the Ancient Potala Palace, some monastries and heading to Kailash. You have the option of Everest Base Camp from the Tibet Side or again a flight to Ali. And completing the Kailash Tour, you can either exit from Kyirong or back to Lhasa and fly to your destination.

Best Time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

The Kailash Manasarovar Pilgrimage Tour starts from Mid of May to Mid of September every year. Most of the devotees target for Fullmoon periods and book for it. Sometimes, being overbooked at the same time, there may shortage of hotels and guesthouses. So we recommend not to target on fullmoon time. 

As per the weather conditions, July and August are the best times to explore Mount Kailash. During this time, Mount Kailash is seen clearly, and the overall weather is clear.

Permits Required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

Being a restricted area of China, travelling to any parts of Tibet (Xizang) need Tibet Travel Permit, Road Permit, Military Permit, and Alien Travel Permit. Our Nepal company must choose a reliable travel agency in Tibet and have to issue these permits through them. It is compulsory to take a local Tibetan Guide and have to operate the tour from that Agency.

As of being compulsory, Utmost Destination Travels also choose flexible and comfortable travel agency to operate the Kailash Tour and gave full authority to issue the Kailash Permit through them.

Charan Sparsh during the Kailash Tour

Charan referes foot, and Sparsh refers to touching or feeling, so Charan Sparsh literally means The Touching/Feeling of the foot of Mount Kailash directly by your hands. This sacred walk starts from Diraphuk to the Ganga River Bank through the Glacier. Each yatries have to walk 7KM per way to go for Charan Sparsh as there are no alternative ways while going. 

This Yatra is quite challenging as we have to walk on the Glacier and sometimes, after the melting of the glacier, the trekking trails are kept changing, and sometimes, many yatries get stuck on the way. Once the devotees reach and touch Mount Kailash, they perform ritual pooja, meditation, and chant the mantras of Lord Shiva. It is the best blessing while doing the Kailash Tour. After Yatrie's complete satisfaction, the tour guide takes a step back to return to the guest house.

As walking through the Glacier is risky and some devotees complain regarding the pollution while walking on a sacred place, the Tibetan Tourism Bureau banned the Charan Sparsh Package and announce as Illegal after 2024. Even some travel agencies operate Charan Sparsh Illegally as more bookings are for Charan Sparsh. Although some agencies got suspended in 2025 while operating Charan Sparsh, Utmost Destination Travels and Treks are not the party to operate Charan Sparsh, as we reconsidered as a service Focused Reputed Travel Operator for Kailash Tour.

Asthapad Darsan During Kailash Tour

The Asthapad literally means the "Eight Steps", profoundly sacred Sites nestelded near Mount Kailash, deeply revered in Jainism as the place where the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdev, attained moksha (liberation). Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and steeped in ancient spirituality, Asthapad offers pilgrims a rare opportunity to connect with divinity in one of the holiest and most remote corners of the world. Though access is limited, the spiritual significance and mythical aura of Asthapad make it a powerful destination for seekers from Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions alike.

From Asthapad, Yatries get the best View of Mount Kailash. As it is also part of Kailash Inner Kora, sometimes it is banned by the Tibet Tourism Bureu and sometimes it is open for public devotees. The Tour Operators have to order a vehicle and drive upto Serlung Monastery, and then walk to see Mount Kailash and Asthapad Darsan, and again back through the same vehicle.

Inner Kora During Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026

The Inner Kora (Parikrama) of Mount Kailash is a challenging, shorter (approx. 30-34 km) pilgrimage route offering intense spiritual rewards, taking pilgrims closer to the mountain's base via rugged terrain, snow, ice, and high passes like Nandi La, requiring mountaineering skills, special permits, and excellent fitness for sites like Saptarishi Cave and Atmalingam, with traditional completion requiring 13 Outer Koras first, symbolizing deeper karmic cleansing.

Being a challenging and risky trip, the Tibet Tourism Bureau restricted it and announced it as Illegal to operate. 

Key Spots During Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Lake Manasarovar

The Manasarovar lake is considered the purest and freshest water aslo considered as the Holy Gangas. The lake covers a total of 88KM of Circumference, from where we see Mount Kailash. The community eco-friendly bus is used to make Parikarma of Lake Manasarovar and stops us to experience and feel the holy water. The Yatries can fill up Ganga Jal with their hand to carry to their home, and they can do Ritual Tarpan to their recently deceased family members to stay with lord Shiva.

Raskhas lake 

The Rakshas Tal, also called the Rakshas Lake, is also called the lake of Demos. It is also a large lake just behind Lake Manasarovar and tastes salty in Nature. Being supposed as demos, we don't feel the lake, but we will see the nature and enjoy the view of the lake from the Viewpoint.

Yamadwar- The gateway of the God of Death

The Yamadwar is the starting point of the Kailash kora. It is supposed that Yamraj himself guards this home of Lord Shiva. The lord of death is what we call Yama, and the Dwar we called as Gate; therefore, it's called Yam Dwar. Yama, who brings mortal souls to his Yamlok and makes the judgment of one's merit & sins.

Diraphuk- The North Face of Mount Kailash

While sacred walking from Yamadwar, we reached Diraphuk, and the walk is known as Kailash Kora. It is the first day of the Kailash Kora, which is 10KM from Yamadwar, and warm up walking to prepare for the 2nd day of the Kora. While walking, we will see the west face of Mount Kailash, and finally, from Diraphuk, we see the full North Face of Mount Kailash. Our first day kora ends here, and we prepare for the night stay at the Guest House. From the windows of the guest house, we will see Clear Mount Kailash in the middle, surrounded by two large hills protecting Kailash.

At nighttime, due to twinkling stars, you can see amazing lights from Mount Kailash, and in the morning, the sunrays directly strike Mount Kailash,h and you see the most beautiful Golden Mount Kailash. This is the most important part of the Mount Kailash journey and the most satisfying part of the journey.

Domla La Pass- The Highest Point During the Kailash Journey

During the 2nd day of the sacred walk, we reached Dolma-La Pass at an altitude of 5650m above sea level, which is the highest altitude during the Kailash Kora and Kailash Pilgrimage Tour. You will see Buddhist prayer flags welcoming us to the top and see the best view. And then we descend to Zuthulphuk for the night's stay.

Gauri Kunda- The Sacred Kunda at Mount Kailash

While descending to Zuthulphuk, just next to Dolma-La Pass, we will see Gauri Kunda, which is considered the most sacred Kunda. It is said that Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesha from turmeric paste while bathing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion. It is believed to purify karma and bring spiritual awakening.

2. Why is Mount Kailash considered sacred?

Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It is also revered as Mount Meru in Buddhism and Jainism. Unlike other peaks, it has never been climbed, symbolizing divine perfection.

3. What is special about the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2026?

2026 is a horse year in the Tibetan Calendar, so it has been believed that Kailash Kora during a horse year is equivalent to 13 time kailash kora in a normal year and 100 times stronger than other years, so it is more special in 2026.

4. What is the best time to go for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026?

The best time is May to September 2026, when weather conditions are relatively stable, and the pilgrimage routes remain open.

5. What are the main routes for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026?

Popular routes include:

• Kathmandu – Kerung – Kailash (Overland)

• Kathmandu – Simikot – Hilsa - Kailash (Helicopter-assisted)

• Kathmandu- Lhasa- Kailash (Lhasa Route)

• Kathmandu- Lhasa- Ali- Kailash (Luxury Route)
  Each route varies in duration, comfort, and altitude exposure.

6. How long does the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra take?

Depending on the route, the Yatra typically takes 14 to 18 days, including acclimatization and spiritual rituals.

7. Is the Kailash Parikrama compulsory?

No. The 52 km Kailash Parikrama (Kora) is optional but highly recommended. Those unable to complete it due to health reasons may opt for partial parikrama or stay in Darchen.

8. How difficult is the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?

The Yatra is moderately to physically challenging due to high altitude and long walking days. Mental preparedness and proper acclimatization are crucial.

9. What is the highest point of the Yatra?

The highest point is Dolma La Pass (5,645 meters) during the Kailash Parikrama, considered the spiritual climax of the journey.

10. Can senior citizens participate in the Yatra?

Yes, physically fit senior citizens can participate. Medical clearance is mandatory, and helicopter-assisted routes are recommended for comfort and safety.

11. What permits are required for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026?

Pilgrims require:

• Tibet Travel Permit

• Chinese Group Visa

• Health & fitness certificate
  All permits are arranged by authorized tour operators.

12. Is altitude sickness a concern during the Yatra?

Yes, altitude sickness can occur. Proper acclimatization, hydration, slow movement, and optional oxygen support help reduce risks.

13. Can I take a holy bath in Lake Manasarovar?

Yes, pilgrims may take a holy bath on the bank of the lake, though the water is extremely cold. Many choose to sprinkle water or wash their hands and feet instead.

14. What accommodation facilities are available?

Accommodations range from comfortable hotels in Kathmandu to basic guesthouses and lodges in Tibet. Luxury Yatra options offer upgraded stays where possible.

15. What kind of food is provided during the Yatra?

Pilgrims are served pure vegetarian, sattvic meals, prepared hygienically and suitable for high-altitude travel.

16. Is travel insurance required?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

17. What should I pack for the Yatra?

Essential items include warm layered clothing, trekking shoes, medicines, sunglasses, sunscreen, prayer items, and personal hygiene essentials.

18. Can foreigners and NRIs join the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?

Yes, foreign passport holders and NRIs can join the Yatra through authorized operators, subject to Chinese visa and permit regulations.

19. Is photography allowed during the Yatra?

Photography is generally allowed, but restricted near military areas and certain monasteries. Always follow local guidelines and respect religious sentiments.

20. How do I book the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026?

Bookings can be made through authorized Kailash tour operators who handle permits, logistics, accommodation, and guidance for a safe and spiritually enriching experience.